Everyone must be equal before the law, abide by it, pay their taxes and bear the punishment should they break the law.

I am in regular contact with Prime Minister [Shinzo] Abe. We have met several times this year [2016].

Given the cost of borrowings and the $100 billion in Government reserves, there is no reason for us to borrow. We should review the situation carefully. Besides, borrowings are possible, but we must understand what is more profitable at this point.

They say that Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky was a homosexual. Truth be told, we don't love him because of that, but he was a great musician, and we all love his music. So what? I assure you that I work with these people. I sometimes award them with state prizes or decorations for their achievements in various fields. We have absolutely normal relations, and I don't see anything out of the ordinary here.

Respect for sovereignty means to not allow unconstitutional action and coup d'états, the removal of legitimate power.

I have a huge interest in Japan, which is well known, including its history and culture, and so it will be very interesting for me to see and learn more about Japan.

Protest actions and propaganda are two slightly different things.